August 2, 2016  


GSU staff reps routinely answer questions about sick leave, including how much information a member is required to share with their employer about the reason for the sick leave - particularly when the leave is for a very personal issue.

"I have advised members that the amount of information they need to provide is somewhat tied to the amount of time they are off," said GSU staff rep Dale Markling. "The shorter the absence the less information the company is generally entitled to."  

If your have questions about sick leave or any other issue, don't hesitate to contact your GSU staff rep.

No problem is too small. Identifying problems as soon as they arise benefits everyone. Call us toll-free if you have a question or a problem you would like addressed. Call 1.866.522.6686 (Regina) or 1.855.384.7314 (Saskatoon).
 
  
 

We have a web page dedicated to GSU bargaining. 
Check it out at  www.gsubargaining.ca .

 Bargaining updates and reports are also available on GSU's web page -  www.gsu.ca.

 

Hi-Pro Feeds
 
Hi-Pro Feeds management has rejected extending the 60-day conciliation period. This means that as of August 8, the clock starts on the 21-day "cooling off" period which ends on August 28.
 
The two sides are still scheduled to meet on August 10 and 11 and again on August 18 and 19, but it appears management is in a hurry to get into position to take action to try to force members to accept an inadequate contract offer.
 
"If the company comes to the table ready to bargain, progress can be made," said GSU bargaining committee spokesperson Lawrence Maier. "If their attitude is unchanged then Local 9 members will determine what action to take to bring reason to the process." 

GSU's Local 9 bargaining committee comprises Kelly Saretzky, Kev Clarke, and GSU staff rep Lawrence Maier.
 
  
Discovery Co-op

The two sides met July 25. Several issues were reviewed to bring the employer's new representative up to speed. The parties narrowed the issues down to only a few outstanding issues: scope, wages, compensation system, sick leave, and the length of the collective agreement.
 
Bargaining is scheduled to continue on August 17. The union bargaining committee will meet prior to this date to prepare  their response for the Company . 
 
GSU's Local 17 bargaining committee members are  Shelbi Prescesky, Glen Morrison, and GSU staff rep Dale Markling. 
 
  
Lloydminster & District Co-operative Association 

Local 18 members have ratified the tentative agreement. GSU bargaining committee spokesperson Dale Markling anticipates that work on the draft versions of the new collective agreement will be complete by next week .
  
GSU's Local 18 bargaining committee members are Christina Jones, Les Strueby, and GSU staff rep Dale Markling


Prairie Co-op  

GSU's bargaining committee last met with the company's representatives on March 24. There has been a change in employer counsel and dates for additional bargaining sessions are being determined.  

GSU's Local 19 bargaining committee members are Lindsay Hill (Strasbourg), Debbie Hillier (Cupar), and Steve Torgerson (GSU staff rep). 


Western Producer

The local's current collective agreement expired July 31, 2016.  

Questions or Concerns? Contact GSU staff rep Dale Markling. 

The Calgary Stampeders will be in town to take on the Riders on Saturday, August 13, and we are giving away tickets.

To enter our contest, simply tell us what your favourite summer vacation destination is. 

Get your answer to the GSU Regina Office by noon on Monday, August 8 to be entered in our draw, and you could be one of two winners who will receive two tickets to the August 13 game. Enter by email at gsu.regina@sasktel.net, fax at 306.565.3430, or deliver your entry to 2334 McIntyre Street in Regina.

Winners will be announced in next week's Tuesday Members' Memo.

Entry in GSU contests and acceptance of prizes constitutes permission to use winner's name, city, province, name of employer, and winning entry for promotional purposes. Please refer to GSU's contest rules and regulations for more information.
 
   
Are you working with a psychopath?

If you were asked to describe a psychopath, would you outline a deeply disturbed maniac lurking in the shadows of a horror movie, or would you describe your co-worker?

Wikipedia states that a psychopath "... is traditionally defined as a personality disorder  characterized by persistent  antisocial behavior, impaired  empathy  and  remorse and   bold , disinhibitated, egotistical traits." If you take the time to review a checklist of psychopathic traits and behaviors you may be surprised how many similarities you find to people you encounter in your life.

What career choice ranks number one for psychopaths? Check out this article for a list of jobs which are least and most likely to attract people with psychopathic tendencies.

This article has been printed for entertainment purposes. The views and opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those of GSU, its members, officers, or staff.

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